Pictures of the Roll Motorin the early Welte-Mignonreproducing player system

These are the only pictures I could find of the 'horizontal' Welte-Mignon Air Motor. I readily admit that I've never seen one
in person and I don't know how it works. It certainly looks like an interesting motor, and judging by the gears in the transmission,
the motor spins at a fairly rapid speed -as compared to most air motors. (That's just a guess...) I'm also relatively certain that this is the Welte T-100 player system, or the "Red Welte" with the 12-7/8" rolls. It obvious in the picture which shows the transmission and the spoolbox that the take-up spool is in the upper half of the box. That means that the rolls play bottom to top and not the other way around. (see picture) I have many more pictures of the various components in this 1911 Upright Steinway/Welte, but they will most likely be placed on another web page at a later date. For the time being, the concern is finding an air motor for the piano.

Also, the question has come up regarding the metal 'balloon-tire wheel' that is seen in two of these pictures. It's my guess that it is a sort of 'flywheel' that serves to 'smooth' any pulsations that might be present in the air motor. I have also heard from the owner today (3/6/13) and they say that there are holes in the platform that seem to correspond with the second motor in this series of photos.

These pictures show the transmission and surrounding components.

This picture shows the placement of the music roll in the spoolbox. Below that is a picture of a Mason & Hamlin from the mid-teens that appears to have a modified air motor and circuitry for controlling the tempo. It is presented only to show that the take-up spool is also in the upper half of the spoolbox.

This page was last revised
March 6, 2013 by John A. Tuttle, who Assumes No
LiabilityFor The Accuracy or Validity of the Statements and/or Opinions
Expressed within the Pages of the Player-Care Domain. Cartoon Graphics by E7 Style Graphics (Eric Styles)

Since "Player-Care" is an internet business, I prefer that we correspond via E-Mail (click here to fill out the 'Request Form'). However, if I'm not in the middle of some other activity, you can reach me at 732-840-8787. But please understand that during the hours from 8AM-5PM EST (Mon-Sat), I'm generally quite busy. So, I probably won't answer the phone. If you get the answering machine, please leave a detailed message stating the reason for your call. Also, repeat your name and phone number clearly and distinctly. By necessity, I prioritize everything in my life. And, if you call and just leave your name and number, and ask me to call you back, it might be a day or two before I return your call. Why? Because I don't know why you want me to call and I might not be prepared to assist you in an effective and efficient manner. If you leave me an E-Mail address (which I prefer), spell it out phonetically. The more you do to help me, the more I can help you in return. Don't rush. You have four minutes to record your message.